Designing an exclusive residential development at Kings Cairn presented a unique challenge: crafting a modern, warehouse-style home that used facing bricks both as the primary facade material and within internal spaces, all while ensuring a handmade, non-machine-made appearance. The architects, Rory Gibson Architects, aimed to meet the client's brief for a contemporary build with a focus on a warehouse aesthetic, incorporating external and internal brick elements effortlessly.

Collaborating closely with brick supplier Taylor Maxwell, the architects and client opted for the wienerberger Marziale brick, a bright, buff-coloured brick that perfectly complemented the desired warehouse-style look. To incorporate bricks into the internal spaces, the Pro Clad brick cladding system was used. This approach allowed the Marziale bricks used externally to be transformed into brick slips, serving as striking features within the home's indoor living area.

After exploring Victorian warehouses and modern residential developments, the design team decided to incorporate masonry into the outer walls. Opting for wet cast medium etched Bathstone from Vobster Architectural instead of natural stone, the architects achieved a seamless blend with the facing bricks. To boost the contemporary warehouse feel, Anvil metal cladding was used on the first floor, creating a striking contrast with the facade's lighter brick colour.

As a result of its outstanding design and brickwork, the development received industry recognition, earning a nomination in the 2023 Brick Development Association Brick Awards' Individual Housing Development category.

Architect Rory Gibson said: "The wienerberger Marziale brick’s soft and varied colour and texture gave the house a special, handcrafted look that fits perfectly with what the client wanted. Brick isn’t commonly used in Scotland, and the flush pointing technique used on the brick exteriors gave the finished elevations a monolithic feel more akin to traditional Scottish natural stone. Using the brick made the house distinctive yet integrated with its surroundings, achieving the desired modern warehouse aesthetic. Bringing brick inside worked well too – it added character to the rooms. We’re absolutely delighted with the finished product."